There are a lot of restaurants in Burlington, collectively covering a world’s worth of cuisine.
But British native Tony Alexander of Burlington has something they don’t - an authentic English palette and a lifetime’s worth of cooking experience he can use to share it.
“I think there’s a niche for it. People don’t know about British food,” Alexander said.
Tony Alexander and his wife Dawn recently purchased the defunct McConnell Cafe on North Fourth Street. In March, they will reopen as The Major Oak, an authentic British restaurant.
At night, when the restaurant closes down around 8 p.m. or so, Alexander will encourage patrons to stay and drink. He’ll take his guitar on stage, and perform with a few friends to lend to the serene atmosphere.
“A slice of England in Burlington,” Alexander said.
The Menu
So what is a British menu, besides the overly-obvious (but certainly available) bangers and mash and fish and chips?
“The best in British and European cuisine,” Alexander said. ”We will be serving breakfast, lunch, and evening dinner.”
It means Indian curry, a British staple, as well as an expanded European menu available on theme nights and, of course, Shepherd’s Pie.
“The place is going to be transformed, and will resemble a good old English pub,” Alexander said.
From England to Burlington
Born in Nottinghamshire, England, Alexander moved to Burlington in 2011 to marry Dawn. He is known as a local crooner who sings throughout Burlington.
However, regulars at the McConnell Cafe have known Alexander as the man behind the counter, where he has worked the past four years. Alexander managed several restaurants and pubs in England before coming to America and feels at home behind the tap.
Running his own place was one of those old childhood dreams he thought might never be realized. But it was music that first captured his soul, and it still hasn’t let go.
“I was crazy about the Beatles and Elvis Presley,” said Alexander, who recently got to record his own album at Sun Studios. “Elvis was my idol.”
Alexander spent three years in the Royal Artillery, boxing as a light-middleweight while playing in various bands until he went solo in 1986. He’s worked a gamut of jobs, and through it all, he cooked for himself.
It’s a skill his mother taught him at age eight. Now it’s more than a skill, but a passion, amongst many.
“I’ve always enjoyed cooking,” he said. “And Dawn is really good with pastries. She’ll be making those.”
An old English telephone already is sitting at the bar, but the doors to the restaurant remain closed as Tony and Dawn scramble to get ready for a soft opening late next month.
On the bar sits a black and white picture of the restaurant’s namesake — the giant tree from Sherwood Forest that hosted Robin Hood and his merry men.
Alexander hopes his new place proves just as comfy and companionable.
“I just want this to be a place where people can come and stay for a while. You don’t have to just eat and leave,” he said.
Photo by Joy Mack
Photo 1: Tony and Dawn Alexander of Burlington pose for a photo inside their new business, The Major Oak, in downtown Burlington.